Howard Rankin

Howard Rankin is the chief employee relations officer at Best Buy Co. Inc. In this role, he leads the team responsible for proactive labor relations, employee relations investigations and case management, wage and hour compliance, and background check and drug-testing adjudication. He also oversees human resources for the company’s supply chain.

He also previously served as the company’s chief diversity officer, overseeing the company’s diversity and inclusion strategy and the programs intended to create and sustain a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Prior to joining Best Buy in 2013, Howard spent 14 years at Target, most recently as director and assistant general counsel for labor relations. Before that, he was corporate counsel at Frank’s Nursery & Crafts.

Howard received his bachelor’s degree in political science and pre-law from Michigan State University and his law degree from DePaul University College of Law. He co-leads the Diversity & Inclusion Leadership Council for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and is a member of the organization’s Labor Steering Committee.